Cholesterol: more than just “good” and “bad” fat
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that the body largely produces itself in the liver. It needs it for the formation of cell membranes, vitamin D, and hormones. Problems only arise when the ratio of transport proteins in the blood gets out of balance:
- LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein – also “bad cholesterol”): Transports cholesterol from the liver to the cells. An excess can accumulate in the blood vessels, increasing the risk of hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) and cardiovascular diseases, and putting a strain on the cardiovascular system.
- HDL (High Density Lipoprotein – also “good cholesterol”): Transports excess cholesterol from the cells back to the liver. There, it is broken down and excreted.
The goal of a heart-conscious lifestyle is not to banish cholesterol completely, but to shift the balance in favor of HDL. Medicom offers preparations for a heart-healthy diet. Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA support normal heart function*. The various Omega-3 products for individual needs include Nobilin Krill Oil® Forte, Nobilin Krill Oil® Omega 3 Plus, Fish Oil Omega 3 or Omega 3 Vegan Algae Oil.
* The positive effect occurs with a daily intake of 250 mg EPA and DHA*
Everyday strategies: lowering cholesterol naturally
Many customers ask us: Can cholesterol be lowered – naturally and without chemicals? The answer lies primarily in diet. Those who want to regulate their blood lipid levels naturally should prioritize their diet, eat a heart-healthy diet, and support their fat metabolism. Dietary supplements can meaningfully complement this approach.
Medicom recommends:
- About five servings of fruit or vegetables daily
- Complemented by fiber-rich and protein-rich foods
- Daily exercise
- Fresh air and endurance sports
The 3 pillars of the natural strategy:
- Get enough fiber: A fiber-rich diet is an important part of a balanced diet and plays a crucial role in a conscious, heart-healthy diet. Our Fiber Complex offers fiber from acacia fibers, inulin, corn dextrin, and psyllium husks – natural sources for daily nutrition.
- Utilize bitter substances: Plants like artichoke contain bitter substances (cynarin). They stimulate bile acid production and thus support natural fat digestion. Dandelion and milk thistle also offer valuable bitter substances and stimulate digestion, stomach, and liver functions.
- Prefer plant-based fats: Replace animal saturated fats (butter, sausage) with high-quality vegetable oils (flaxseed oil, olive oil) or nuts.
Tip: Replacing saturated fatty acids with monounsaturated and/or polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet helps maintain normal blood cholesterol levels. Support your fat metabolism and liver additionally with choline, as it contributes to normal fat metabolism and normal homocysteine metabolism. Choline is optimally dosed in Nobilin Krill Oil® Forte and in Nobilin Leber Vital®.
Amino acids & homocysteine: A look at the blood vessels
Those who look for amino acids and cholesterol are usually interested in comprehensive protection for their blood vessels. While amino acids do not directly lower cholesterol, they are involved in various metabolic processes related to vascular function.
Two antagonists are in focus here:
- Homocysteine (the risk factor): In addition to cholesterol, a high homocysteine level is considered a risk factor for vascular health. Homocysteine is a breakdown product in protein metabolism that can damage blood vessels if it is not broken down.
The nutritional approach: Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid have been shown to contribute to normal homocysteine metabolism. They help the body convert and break down homocysteine.
- The amino acid arginine: L-Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid and the precursor of the signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO). This is important for vascular functions.
Product tip: With the heart complex Nobilin Cor (contains, among other things, ubiquinol, i.e., active coenzyme Q10, vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid), you specifically support a heart-healthy diet.
Important when taking medication: Cholesterol & Coenzyme Q10
Many people take medically prescribed statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) to regulate their cholesterol levels. What few know: These medications not only block the production of cholesterol in the liver but also the body's own production of coenzyme Q10, as both metabolic pathways are closely linked.
However, coenzyme Q10 is involved in energy production in the cells. A decreasing level can become noticeable due to statin intake. Experts therefore often recommend accompanying statin therapy with Q10 to keep the level stable. Medicom offers high-quality dietary supplements for this purpose with Q10 Mono 100 mg or the directly active QH Mono 100 mg as well as QH Mono 50 mg .
